What is the advantage of allergy testing for seasonal allergens when we have so many nasal sprays and eye drops?

With more effective topical and oral anithistaminic and anti-inflammatory therapies currently available, more patients are able to experience significant relief of their seasonal symptoms than ever before.  However, there are several advantages to identifying the specific allergen to which the patient is sensitized.  First, when the exact culprit allergen is known (e.g., tree pollen), patients can prepare in advance by premedicating with nasal corticosteroids, according to the seasonal patterns of allergen exposure in their local geographical region.  They can also take some precautions when relevant (i.e., wearing protective filtration masks when cutting the grass). Some seasonal allergies can continue on an indoor basis (i.e., mould allergies) where further prevention measures may be helpful.  More importantly, despite the complaint of mainly seasonal symptoms, many patients may experience perennial rhinitis and identification of these allergens is important (i.e., dust mite allergy), as treatment that takes this into account will also serve to reduce their seasonal symptoms.  Finally, when prevention measures and medical treatment fails to ameliorate symptoms, identifying the patient’s specific allergies is critical for application of effective allergen immunotherapy treatment.